monday, it will collide with energy that will pull in some cold air from the northwest. now, adding to that perfect storm scenario, there's what we call a blocking pattern that shoves energy from the north back at the storm and back toward the united states. here's what all of that means to you. the storm will carry hurricane-force winds, up to a foot of rain and the potential storm surge that could top out at ten feet. extreme conditions could begin as early as sunday and last for days, drenching the most populated part of the country. >> this storm, that is going to be impacting the mid-atlantic and parts of the northeast monday into tuesday is going to be destructive, historic and, unfortunately, life threatening. >> reporter: a state of emergency has already been declared in maryland, d.c., pennsylvania, new york and virginia. the biggest fear? the storm surge. in places like atlantic city, it could get even worse because of a full moon and higher tides. people are batoning down the hatches, preparing for the worst, up and down the eastern seaboard. in norfolk, the n